About the song
“Da Doo Ron Ron (When He Walked Me Home)” is a quintessential piece of pop music history that captures the vibrant spirit of the early 1960s. Written by the dynamic trio of Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, and Phil Spector, this song first gained widespread acclaim when it was recorded by the American girl group The Crystals in 1963. Their rendition of “Da Doo Ron Ron” was an immediate success, landing in the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching number four on the Cash Box chart. The infectious charm of the song also translated across the Atlantic, where it secured a place in the UK top five.
The composition of “Da Doo Ron Ron” marks a significant collaboration between Barry, Greenwich, and Spector. The song was crafted over two days in Spector’s New York office, where the creative team worked meticulously to craft a catchy tune that would resonate with audiences. Interestingly, the title “Da Doo Ron Ron” was initially intended as a placeholder, a set of nonsensical syllables meant to serve as a temporary lyrical filler. However, Phil Spector found the placeholder so endearing that it became the song’s title. This playful approach to the lyrics reflects Spector’s desire for simplicity, aiming to complement the straightforward narrative of a young romance without overwhelming it with complex verses.
The Crystals’ version, produced in Spector’s renowned Wall of Sound style, is celebrated for its rich, layered production and dynamic vocals. Dolores “LaLa” Brooks, the group’s lead singer, delivered a memorable performance, with Cher among the backing vocalists. This original recording not only became a defining track of The Crystals’ career but also earned enduring acclaim. In 2004, it was listed at number 114 on Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time,” and despite its removal in the 2010 update, it was reinstated at number 366 in 2021. The song also made notable appearances on other prestigious lists, including Q Magazine’s “1001 Best Songs Ever” and Berlin Media’s “100 Best Singles of All Time.”
“Da Doo Ron Ron” has been covered numerous times, most notably by Shaun Cassidy in 1977, whose version topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The songwriters themselves, performing as The Raindrops, also produced a notable cover. This enduring appeal and versatility highlight the song’s impact on both the pop music landscape and popular culture, solidifying its place as a timeless classic.
Video
Lyrics
I met him on a Monday and my heart stood still
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Somebody told me that his name was Bill
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah, my heart stood still
Yes, his name was Bill
And when he walked me home
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
I knew what he was doing when he caught my eye
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
He looked so quiet but my oh my
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah, he caught my eye
Yes, oh my, oh my
And when he walked me home
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
He picked me up at seven and he looked so fine
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Someday soon I’m gonna make him mine
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah, he looked so fine,
Yes, I’ll make him mine
And when he walked me home
Da doo ron-ron-ron, Da doo ron-ron
Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah…
Da-doo-ron-ron
Da-doo-ron-ron…